Table 2 Description of MDR-TB treatment outcomes

Time to culture conversion

Time from initiation of treatment to the time point where the patient has two consecutive negative cultures

Cured

1. A patient who has culture converted and

2. Received treatment for a total duration of 9–11 months and

3. Has at least 3 consecutive negative TB cultures at

least 30 days apart and

4. No evidence of clinical deterioration

Treatment completed (success)

1. A patient who has culture converted and

2. Received treatment for a total duration of 9–11 months and

3. Has less than 3 consecutive negative TB cultures at least 30 days apart and

4. No evidence of clinical deterioration

Loss to follow-up

A patient with treatment interrupted for 2 consecutive months and more

Treatment failure

1. A patient who failed to culture convert by month 5 (shorter regimen) or month 6 (longer regimen) or

2. In the initial 6 months of treatment more than 2 of 5 cultures are positive or

3. Treatment stopped due to adverse events

4. Permanent discontinuation of two Group A drugs (BDQ, LZD, or LFX) in the first 6 months of the modified shorter regimen or

5. More than 2 new drugs added because of poor clinical response or

6. Panel decision to terminate any further DR-TB treatment

Died

A patient who died for any reason during treatment